It was another sad news for the legal community when they were informed on Wednesday of the passing of the oldest practicing lawyer in the country.
Pa Tunji Fortunatus Gomez, Nigeria’s oldest practicing lawyer, died at the age of 90 years, the same day former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloysius Katsina-Alu died at 77.
Pa Gomez’s demise was disclosed on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Chukwuka Ikwuazom in a statement.
Ikwuazom said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of Pa Tunji Gomez. Pa Gomez was until his death yesterday night, the oldest practicing lawyer in Nigeria and a deeply loved member of the Premier Bar.
“The branch had in recognition of his excellent service and uncommon devotion to the branch, celebrated his 90th birthday in style a few months ago.
“Our deepest condolences go to his immediate family. We will greatly miss Pa Gomez and pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace.
“We will make further announcements in due course.”
Born in Lagos on March 18, 1928, Pa Gomez read law in London and qualified as a lawyer in 1961.
He was a student of Kings College Lagos, a classmate and close friend of late Biafran warlord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in same college.
Until his death, Pa Gomez was opposed to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title, a title he opposed vehemently.